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- Bristol News by HANA - Edition 18
Bristol News by HANA - Edition 18
Bristol Bites: Latest Innovations, Community Initiatives, and Exciting Developments
Rhidian Wynn Davies
January 17, 2025
Bristol News by HANA - Edition 18
Bristol Bites: Latest Innovations, Community Initiatives, and Exciting Developments
Bristol has been named as one of the top 50 cities on our planet by none other than Time Out, the pioneering magazine founded by the late great Tony Elliott. Unfortunately, Sir James Dyson (he of vacuum cleaner fame) didn’t get the “Bristol is brilliant” memo.
Dyson has decided to relocate its 180 Bristol employees to its campus in sleepy Malmesbury, Wiltshire. This despite announcing plans for a £100m research and development hub on the Bristol waterfront as recently as 2023. And the fact that Bristol has world class academic credentials. Please do get in touch if you’ve heard of the University of Malmesbury.
Meanwhile, serious investors and innovators continue to regard Bristol as place to do business. Read more below about the Isambard-AI computer project, the £2bn Brabazon initiative and a £350m application for Bristol Temple Island.
Finally, a word about Stephen Lansdown CBE. The Ashton Gate Stadium he has funded is a true jewel in Bristol’s crown. Exciting sport, great food, live music and – above all – wonderful Bristolians. Please take note, Sir James. The buzz is Bristol.
Rhidian Wynn Davies | Editor-in-Chief
Misty dog walks on the Durdham Downs
This week in Bristol
Dyson Relocation: Dyson is moving 180 employees from Bristol to Malmesbury, offering commuting support.
AI Investment: The UK Government invests £225 million in AI, with Bristol leading the Isambard-AI supercomputer project.
Brabazon Project Launch: Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim launches the Brabazon project in Bristol, backed by £4 billion investment.
Arts Union Concerns: Equity calls for reconsideration of proposed arts cuts by the Bristol city council.
Maternity Care Recognition: North Bristol NHS Trust ranks second in the UK for maternity care quality and first for kindness.
Animal Neglect Sentencing: Dawn Tolliver sentenced to 24 weeks for neglecting her two Cane Corso dogs.
Council House Sales Backlash: Bristol City Council faces criticism for plans to sell over 1,200 council homes amid budget deficits.
Kingsley Hall Grant: Kingsley Hall in Bristol receives a £4.7 million grant for renovations as a community hub for vulnerable youth.
Birch Wood Sale: A nine-acre woodland site, Birch Wood in South Bristol, is up for sale at around £300,000.
Databox
The average house price in Bristol was £361,000 in November 2024 (provisional), up 3.3% from November 2023. This was higher than the rise in the South West (2.2%) over the same period.
Private rents rose to an average of £1,751 in December 2024, an annual increase of 2.8% from £1,704 in December 2023.
The average price paid by first-time buyers was £330,000 in November 2024 (provisional). This was 3.7% higher than the average of £318,000 in November 2023 (revised)
source ons.gov.uk
Scroll down for property news and more things to do in Bristol this weekend…
Iconic winter shot of The Clifton Suspension Bridge
Hyper-local news articles
Dyson to move all West of England staff to its Malmesbury HQ BBC News - January 14, 2025 Dyson is relocating its staff, including 180 employees, from Bristol to its Malmesbury headquarters. The company will ensure that ongoing projects remain unaffected and provide support for commuting. The company will offer a coach service and free electric vehicle charging to facilitate travel, emphasizing the benefits of collaboration and innovation in one location. |
Bristol named as one of world’s best cities in 2025 Bristol24/7 - January 15, 2025 Bristol has been named the 48th best city in the world for 2025 by Time Out, celebrated for its vibrant street art and dynamic cultural scene. With exciting events like the Women's Rugby World Cup and the launch of new attractions, the city is poised to shine on a global stage. |
University of Bristol supercomputer will help UK become ‘technological superpower’ Bristol Uni - January 13, 2025 The UK Government is investing £225 million in artificial intelligence. Bristol is at the forefront as it develops Isambard-AI, poised to be the UK's fastest and most sustainable supercomputer by Summer 2025. This initiative aims to enhance AI capabilities across various fields while ensuring benefits reach all citizens, marking a significant step in the UK’s ambition to lead in the global AI landscape. |
'When it goes wrong, it's heartbreaking' said Bristol grandmother BBC News - January 11, 2025 Jane Jackson, MBE and founder of the Bristol Grandparents' Support Group has been a lifeline for nearly 9,000 grandparents facing estrangement from their grandchildren, an experience she describes as "heartbreaking." With recent research revealing that one in seven grandparents are disconnected from their grandchildren, the BGSG offers vital support through helplines and meetings, fostering reconnections and healing. |
Best pub in Bristol is crowned and it only reopened in 2022 Yahoo News - January 12, 2025 Discover The King’s Head, Bristol's top pub, according to travel expert Will Hawkes, where historic charm meets modern revitalization. Dating back to the 17th century and recently restored by Good Chemistry Brewery, this unique spot boasts a stunning interior and has been recognized as a runner-up in CAMRA’s Heritage Award. |
Malaysian PM launches UK's largest brownfield development BBC News - January 15, 2025 Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Bin Ibrahim has inaugurated the UK's largest brownfield project, Brabazon, on the former Filton Airfield in Bristol. The project features 6,500 homes, a carbon-neutral arena, and three schools—all part of a £2 billion sustainable development by YTL Group. The launch coincided with a new trade deal between the UK and Malaysia, heralded as a "golden opportunity" following the UK's entry into the CPTPP. |
Equity urges Bristol city council to drop cuts to arts and culture budget The Guardian - January 15, 2025 Equity, Bristol's largest performing arts union, is urging the city council to rethink proposed cuts to the arts and culture budget, which could lead to the closure of key museums amid a £52 million funding gap. Lynda Rooke, president of Equity, warns that such cuts would harm the local economy and cultural landscape in the UNESCO city of film. |
North Bristol NHS Trust ranks top for care in UK maternity survey Yahoo News - January 12, 2025 North Bristol NHS Trust's maternity services have been recognized for excellence in the latest CQC Maternity survey, ranking second in the UK for women's experiences during labour and birth and first for treating patients with kindness and respect. With 99% of respondents praising their care and support, the Trust's dedication to empowering families and ensuring effective communication has set a new standard in maternity services. |
Bristol woman jailed for leaving two dogs called Angel and Evil to starve Yahoo News - January 13, 2025 Dawn Tolliver, a 51-year-old from Bristol, has been sentenced to 24 weeks in jail and banned from keeping animals for ten years after pleading guilty to neglecting her two severely malnourished Cane Corso dogs, Angel and Evil. The RSPCA rescued the dogs from appalling conditions, and they have since recovered and found new homes, while Tolliver has launched an appeal against her sentence. |
Bristol charity ARA opens accommodation for 30 vulnerable adults BBC News - January 14, 2025 ARA Recovery 4 All and Bristol City Council have launched the Housing First project, opening 30 flats to provide permanent homes for vulnerable individuals, particularly long-term rough sleepers. This initiative aims to reduce hospital admissions and the strain on homelessness services while improving stability for its residents. |
Ilona Maher: Bristol Bears stint can help me ‘fit seamlessly’ into USA team The Guardian - January 15, 2025 Ilona Maher, the 28-year-old rugby player transitioning from sevens to the USA 15s team, is making waves in the sport while challenging stereotypes about female athletes. Advocating for the celebration of strength and femininity, she emphasizes that women can excel in sports while expressing their individuality and style. |
Property news
Politically historic Kingsley Hall in Bristol awarded £4.7m for renovation The Guardian - January 14, 2025 Kingsley Hall in Bristol, a historic Grade II-listed building, has secured a £4.7 million grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund for renovations aimed at transforming it into a vibrant community hub for vulnerable young people. Once a center for political activism and social issues, the revamped space will include new accommodation, a "skills kitchen," and a café, supporting initiatives for youth homelessness and community engagement. |
More than 1,200 Bristol council houses may be sold in 'fire sale' BBC News - January 13, 2025 Bristol City Council is facing criticism for plans to sell over 1,200 council houses and delay vital refurbishments amidst a housing services funding crisis. Opposition councillors are urging support for a significant investment of nearly £34 million aimed at improving home safety, energy efficiency, and urgent repairs to enhance living conditions for residents on the social housing waiting list. |
Nine acres of wood up for sale in the heart of Bristol suburb Yahoo News - January 10, 2025 Birch Wood in South Bristol, a nearly nine-acre woodland site, is on the market for around £300,000, with smaller parcels available from £25,000, offering locals a chance to own a piece of this untouched nature. The property promises potential for recreational or environmental use, pending planning permission, and is supported by a dedicated local appreciation group. |
'Enchanting' 1930s Portishead property with private woodland for sale Bristol Live - January 11, 2025 Discover a stunning 1930s property on Nore Road, Portishead, listed at £1,095,000, blending original charm with modern luxury. This four-bedroom home features beautifully landscaped gardens, multiple reception rooms, and impressive period details, all set within expansive grounds that include a private woodland area. |
L&G submits plan for £350m Bristol Temple Island Construction Enquirer - January 13, 2025 Zaha Hadid's masterplan for Temple Island includes 520 homes, office buildings, retail space, and a hotel, with 40% of housing earmarked for social and affordable options in collaboration with Bristol City Council and Legal & General. The ambitious project aims for BREEAM Outstanding certification for all commercial buildings and is set to be a significant milestone for the Bristol Temple Quarter by 2025. |
Plans for 38 new homes for local people in Bristol suburb Bristol Live - January 12, 2025 Curo has received approval to replace the aging Holly House flats in Lawrence Weston, Bristol, with 38 new energy-efficient homes available at social rent, prioritizing local residents. The development will include modern amenities and sustainable features like solar panels and air-source heat pumps, contributing to long-term community regeneration. |
Mortgage Style in Portbury wins Bristol Property Award North Somerset Times - January 11, 2025 Mortgage Style in Portbury has proudly claimed the Bristol Property Award in the financial category for the second time, thanks to its dedicated team with over 100 years of experience and a commitment to exceptional customer service. Founded nearly 20 years ago by Marcus Robinson, the firm specializes in exclusive mortgage deals and has consistently been recognized for its innovative approach since the award's inception in 2020. |
First January Snowdrops
What’s on in Bristol this weekend?
What’s on in Bristol this weekend?
All photos are credited to Louis Inglis or Mark Riley unless otherwise specified.
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